|
Steady growth necessitates a gradual increase in the intake of most nutrients. It is important that young children eat in such a way that they accumulate nutrient reserves during this period which could be drawn upon during the growth spurt of adolescence. Thus what they eat in the early years affects their nutritional status during adolescence and adulthood.
The RDA of school children aged 7– 12 years is given in below Table.
Table: Recommended Dietary Allowances of school children
|
NUTRIENT
|
7-9 YEARS
|
10-12 YEARS
|
|
BOYS
|
GIRLS
|
|
Weight (kg)
|
25.1
|
34.3
|
35
|
|
Energy (kcal)
|
1690
|
2190
|
2010
|
|
Protein (g)
|
29.5
|
39.9
|
40.4
|
|
Fat (g)
|
30
|
35
|
35
|
|
Calcium (mg)
|
600
|
800
|
800
|
|
Iron (mg)
|
16
|
21
|
27
|
|
Vitamin A (µg)
|
600
|
600
|
600
|
|
β Carotene (µg)
|
4800
|
4800
|
4800
|
|
Thiamin (mg)
|
0.8
|
1.1
|
1.0
|
|
Riboflavin (mg)
|
1.0
|
1.3
|
1.2
|
|
Nicotinic acid (mg)
|
13
|
15
|
13
|
|
Pyridoxine (mg)
|
1.6
|
1.6
|
1.6
|
|
Ascorbic acid (mg)
|
40
|
40
|
40
|
|
Folic acid (µg)
|
120
|
140
|
140
|
|
Vitamin B12 (µg)
|
0.2-1.0
|
0.2-1.0
|
0.2-1.0
|
Ref: Nutrition Expert group, ICMR(2010)
Energy
Total energy needs increase slightly with age, but energy needs per kilogram of body weight decline gradually.
Protein
Protein requirement also declines with age, if the protein requirement per Kg body weight is considered.
Vitamins and Minerals
Unlike energy and protein, a Childs need for vitamins and minerals increases with age. Generally a balanced diet can meet the requirements except that of iron.
Iron deficiency anemia is a major problem worldwide and it is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency in children all over the world.
Milk is the prominent food in the diets of young children and since it is a poor source of iron, the iron intake of children is low.
Calcium 10 – 12 years old children require more calcium than adults to meet skeletal growth demands.
Iron
- Requirement increases as the blood volume increases by 1 g/dl.
- Requirement is lower for 10- 12 years girls compared to boys as rate of absorption is higher i.e. 5%.
|
Participants